They are pretty expensive, imo. It's prolly not worth buying unless you have a true passion for it (kind of like a dedicated macro lens), or if you have a paying client who wants a job professionally done.

You won't be disappointed. The f/1.2 L is an awesome lens too, but from what I've seen, the enormous increase in price isn't justified.

Another place you can rent at is a local photography store. Sometime they are cheaper even if they have a smaller selection. But, it's worth checking out.

Believe it or not, there are no camera stores within 2 hours of me. There used to be one in Champaign, where I work, but it wasn't there when I went by last week. A search for camera/photography stores in the Champaign area brings up Best Buy and some portrait stores, plus some of the local for-hire photogs. I'd have to go over to Indy to find a camera shop.

I was into 35mm photography ages ago and I would actually hang out at a camera store near where I was stationed (in my Army days). That store owner would lend me lenses all the time.

If I lived in NYC, I believe I'd spend way too much time at B&H. That's an amazing store.

Believe it or not, there are no camera stores within 2 hours of me. There used to be one in Champaign, where I work, but it wasn't there when I went by last week. A search for camera/photography stores in the Champaign area brings up Best Buy and some portrait stores, plus some of the local for-hire photogs. I'd have to go over to Indy to find a camera shop.

I was into 35mm photography ages ago and I would actually hang out at a camera store near where I was stationed (in my Army days). That store owner would lend me lenses all the time.

If I lived in NYC, I believe I'd spend way too much time at B&H. That's an amazing store.

That sucks man. I have a good one walking distance from where I live. They even rent Hassys.